Discover the Mayapple Plant’s Health Potential

The mayapple plant or American mandrake is unrelated to the European mandrake, part of the Solanaceae family. European mandrake is a toxic plant with properties similar to belladonna and currently lacks medicinal applications. In Eastern countries, it was supposed to promote human fertility.

Healing Properties

North American natives have been using podophyllin (the resin of the American mandrake’s root) for ages, and from 1820 onwards, it became part of several pharmaceutical preparations.

Its active component, podophyllotoxin, is an effective but well-tolerated purgative in low doses. It also has cholagogue properties (helps empty the gall bladder).

It has been recently proven that podophyllin has antimitotic properties (prevents cellular division). It has been successfully tested in treating acuminated condyloma acuminatum, papilloma, warts, and other viral tumors of the skin. Its applications in cancer treatment are currently under research.

Warning

In high doses, it can provoke violent diarrhea and even death.

Mayapple Plant Scientific Facts

1. Scientific Name – Podophyllum peltatum L.
2. Other Names – American mandrake, wild lemon.
3. French – Podophylle.
4. Spanish – Podófilo.
5. Environment – Meadows and damp forests all over the Atlantic regions of North America. It does not grow in Europe.
6. Description—The mayapple is an herbaceous plant of the Berberidaceae family that grows up to 50 cm high. Its fruit is aromatic yellow berries.
7. Parts of the plant used medicinally – The resin of the root (podophyllin).

How to use Mayapple

1. An intake of 0.25 to 0.5 grams of the root, or 50 to 100 mg of podophyllin, results in a regular evacuation 12 hours after the intake.
2. Podophyllin resin is applied to the skin in several pharmaceutical preparations. These preparations contain an oil suspension of the resin mixed with paraffin. Put some drops of this suspension on the affected skin area daily to achieve results.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 517. Print. [mayapple plant]
2. Reputable Medical Databases and Resources:
3. PubMed (National Institutes of Health): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
4. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: https://www.mskcc.org/
5. Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/

Last update on 2025-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API